In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, AI tools continue to break new ground, offering innovative solutions that can significantly enhance our interaction with technology. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a creative professional, or simply someone curious about the latest advancements, these new AI applications are something to watch. Let’s delve into the exciting world of […]
Discord has officially updated its hateful conduct policy to add behaviors that don't reflect its "goal to promote acceptance and inclusivity." These newly added bannable behaviors include "deadnaming or misgendering a transgender person." According to TechCrunch, Discord started internally implementing its expanded policy in 2022, but the chat app has just only made it public in an effort to provide more transparency.
"As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure Discord remains a safe and fun place for people to hang out with friends, we continually evaluate potential harms and update our policies," a spokesperson told the publication. "We often work with organization and subject matter experts to ensure our policies accurately encompass a holistic view of how these issues manifest across the internet and society."
In addition to misgendering and deadnaming trans people, Discord also considers expressing contempt or disgust towards members of protected groups, perpetuating negative stereotypes about them, repeatedly using slurs to degrade them, threatening or promoting violence against them, as well as calling for their segregation and exclusion as hateful behaviors. LGBT organization GLAAD has praised Discord in its call for social networks to update their policies to recognize deadnaming and targeted or deliberate misgendering as hate speech.
GLAAD also points out that among the biggest social networks today, TikTok is the only one that explicitly prohibits intentional misgendering and deadnaming. Notably, X implemented a rule against the behavior in 2018 when it was still called Twitter, but it quietly removed that section in its hateful conduct policy under Elon Musk's leadership.
Discord won't be banning users who violate its hateful conduct policy after just one infraction, though. Under its warning system, users who go against its rules will receive a direct message detailing their offense, with the platform weighing each violation differently based on the "severity of harm." Users can see their account standing in their settings page. If they have one or more violation, their accounts will be marked "at risk," while they could be permanently suspended if they're marked as having "severe or repeated" violations.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/discord-could-ban-users-if-they-continue-to-deadname-trans-people-083112064.html?src=rss
Apple recently released their new macOS Sonoma 14.2 software update for the Mac, they also released watchOS 10.2 for the Apple Watch, tvOS 17.2 for the Apple TV, iOS 17.2 for the iPhone, and iPadOS 17.2 for the iPad. We have already seen some videos of the new iOS 17.2 in action and now we […]
Apple recently released its iOS 17.2 software update, which brings a range of new features to the iPhone, one of these is the ability to change your iPhone Notification sounds. his long-awaited feature allows users to choose from a variety of built-in sounds or even import their own custom tones. Whether you want a more […]
Apple recently released their new iOS 17.3 beta 1 software to developers, the software was made available to developers shortly after the general release of Apple’s iOS 17.2 software update. We are also expecting Apple to make this software available to public beta testers soon as well. There was also a range of other new […]
Twitch has finally streamlined its confusing guidelines surrounding sexual content after a creator was able to appear seemingly topless in a stream posted on the website. The incident compelled viewers to question what kind of content could actually appear — and what could get you banned — on livestreams. Following feedback from users, Twitch has merged the two separate sexual content policy sections on its guidelines page and clarified that some materials that were previously prohibited are now allowed on the platform, as long as they're properly labeled.
They include content that "deliberately highlight breasts, buttocks and pelvic region" when fully clothed, which Twitch admits has caused female-presenting streamers to be "disproportionately penalized." The website now also allows streams to show drawn, animated or sculpted female-presenting breasts, genitalia or buttocks that are fully exposed. That said, fictionalized sexual acts and masturbation are still prohibited. Videos that show writing on female-presenting breasts and buttocks are now allowed, as well, along with videos that contain strip tease dances. Meanwhile, dance moves that include "twerking" and "grinding" can now be shown in videos even without being labeled.
In addition to clarifying its sexual content policy, Twitch has also altered its homepage algorithm so that it'll no longer recommend content that had been labeled with Drugs, Intoxication, or Excessive Tobacco Use; Violent and Graphic Depictions; Gambling; and/or Sexual Themes. The website explains that while viewers must deliberately click on videos on the homepage to watch them, parts of streams with those themes were still visible even to those who may be uncomfortable seeing them due to their thumbnails. Now, viewers must explicitly seek out videos containing those themes.
We’ve gotten feedback that our policies around sexual content are unclear so we’ve drawn clearer boundaries between what is & isn’t permitted on Twitch.
We also recognize that not everyone wants to see certain content, so we’re updating our criteria for homepage recommendations. pic.twitter.com/rvZ4kFADR6
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/twitch-clears-up-its-confusing-sexual-content-guidelines-065648446.html?src=rss
Following the revelation that our mobile push notification records can be handed over to law enforcements, Apple put the blame on the Department of Justice (DOJ) for preventing tech companies from revealing such process. At the same time, the company updated its Legal Process Guidelines document to state that "a subpoena or greater legal process" was required to obtain the relevant records. However, Reuters spotted that a week later, Apple quietly tweaked this particular line to match Google's stricter policy on this matter:
"The Apple ID associated with a registered APNs token and associated records may be obtained with an order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d) or a search warrant."
In other words, law enforcement will now need a judge's consent in order to obtain push notification data from Apple — as is the case with Google all this time, according to a statement provided to Reuters. Engadget reached out to Apple, but it refused to comment on the updated guidelines.
The "push notification spying" concerns were originally brought to light by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden who, in an open letter to the DOJ, claimed that foreign governments have been demanding Google and Apple to provide push notification records. Given how push notifications go through these companies' servers, the senator is worried that "Apple and Google are in a unique position to facilitate government surveillance of how users are using particular apps."
Wyden then addressed the elephant in the room, by arguing that these two tech giants "should be permitted to be transparent about the legal demands they receive, particularly from foreign governments." Apple's response regarding the DOJ's suppression appears to align with the senator's claims, but it's unclear whether the department will take action on both tech companies' stepped-up transparency on push notification surveillance.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-now-needs-a-judges-order-to-hand-over-push-notification-records-052710429.html?src=rss
A few weeks after Cruise's CEO Kyle Vogt and co-founder Daniel Kan resigned, the company has also dismissed nine executives considered as "key" figures for the firm. According to Reuters and other sources, GM's robotaxi unit sent an internal memo to staff members announcing the executives' departure while regulators are investigating an incident wherein a pedestrian was dragged by a Cruise vehicle after being struck by another car. Authorities are accusing the company of withholding a video that allegedly shows the victim underneath its vehicle.
"Following an initial analysis of the October 2 incident and Cruise's response to it, nine individuals departed Cruise," the memo reportedly reads. "We are committed to full transparency and are focused on rebuilding trust and operating with the highest standards when it comes to safety, integrity, and accountability. As a result, we believe that new leadership is necessary to achieve these goals."
One of the executives who was dismissed was Gil West, who served as Cruise's Chief Operating Officer. A spokesperson also confirmed to Reuters that Jeff Bleich and David Estrada, who were the company's Chief Legal and Policy Officer and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, respectively, were among the nine executives who were let go.
This is just the latest update in the major upheaval Cruise is going through. The California DMV suspended the company's driverless permit in October, the same month the incident happened. In November, Cruise recalled 950 of its robotaxis following reports that they had trouble identifying children and that the company knew about it but kept the vehicles on the streets anyway. The robotaxi company eventually suspended even its manual operations as part of a safety probe by a third-party firm. Vogt also reportedly announced before he left the company that layoffs are on the horizon, so these executives may not be the only personnel leaving Cruise before the year ends.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cruise-drops-nine-executives-in-the-midst-of-an-accident-probe-involving-its-vehicle-044408544.html?src=rss
Described by the folks at Tekto as “Compact and Formidable”, the A2 Badger is an impressive little picket blade that’s sure to be a favorite in your EDC collection.
What’s an OTF Knife you ask? Short for Out The Front, OTF Knives are switchblades with a vertical deploying action. Unlike traditional folding knives with folding/rotating blades, the blade of an OTF knife slides forward and backward out of the handle rather than swinging open on a pivot. This mechanism is typically operated by a switch or button located on the handle. OTF knives are known for their quick and easy deployment, making them popular among military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts… and if you still don’t own one, this might as well be the universe giving you that sign.
Featuring an oversized lanyard hole, this knife design accommodates a wider range of attachment options, including larger cords and paracords. This enhances convenience and accessibility, especially in low-light conditions or when wearing gloves, making it an ideal tool for any situation.
Pioneered by the folks at Tekto, OTF Knives have a tactile thrill to them that folding knives don’t. There’s always that bit of surprise and a slight amount of recoil associated with activating an OTF knife that you’re bound to fall in love with. The A2 Badger, like all of Tekto’s OTF knives, is deployed by a contoured switch located on the top of the handle, right underneath your thumb. Slide the switch and the blade gets deployed out the front (hence the name). The entire process can be done with a single hand in under a second, and even with gloves on, making the OTF knife perfect for scenarios with split-second consequences.
The A2 Badger button boasts an exceptional grip, ensuring maximum grip and control in any situation.
Its precisely contoured button allows for fast and effortless ejection and retraction of the blade.
Measuring a mere 5.26 inches when open, the A2 Badger is Tekto’s smallest OTF knife sporting a 1.8-inch tanto-style blade made from titanium-coated D2 steel. Although the 1.8-inch blade is smaller than your average pocket flipper, the A2 Badger still is quite a nimble beast, making it a favorite among both enthusiasts as well as tactical personnel and first responders. The tanto-style blade comes with a pointed tip and two sharp edges that make it perfect for all sorts of knife strokes. The titanium-coated D2 steel blade holds its edge incredibly well, taking on benign indoor activities, outdoor excursions, and even tactical scenarios with ease. For getting out of emergencies, the A2 Badger also packs a glass-breaker on the rear of its handle, helping you make quick exits.
With its compact and lightweight design, the A2 Badger is both easy to store and transport, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and those with limited space.
Weighing a mere 2.18 ounces and measuring just 3.3 inches when closed, the A2 Badger holds the title of being Tekto’s smallest and lightest knife. It’s built to be ambidextrous, and comes with a 6061 Aluminum handle that houses the OTF mechanism that’s backed by a button lock system so the blade doesn’t slide in while you’re cutting. A pocket clip can be attached to either side of the handle (depending on whether you’re right or left-handed), and a wide lanyard hole allows you to string your A2 Badger to your backpack, around your neck, or even your keychain for carrying wherever you go. The A2 Badger comes in 3 grip color variants – Black, Desert, and OD Green (Olive Drab Green) with a black-coated blade and a 15% discount on its $139.99 price tag.
Meta is rolling out a suite of new tools on Instagram that give users more control over how much spam content and bots they will see on their feeds. People will also be told if something they posted is in accordance with community guidelines. The new tools will be introduced gradually in the coming weeks.
Instagram has developed and improved its automated detection system that checks for spam across comments, tags, story views and followers. The moderation systems will flag fake followers and spam-filled content and give users the option to delete those items in bulk to save users time. Any suspected spam or bot account will get filtered into a separate inbox for you to review, and if an account isn’t spam, you can approve a request and they’ll be added to your following list. Otherwise, all accounts will be automatically removed after 30 days. Posts by profiles that get tagged as spam won't appear on the content creators’ accounts unless they get approved. An account holder can view, bulk delete or approve any tag requests flagged by the system.
Instagram will also send in-app notifications if it detects posts that violate its content policies. This follows Instagram’s most recent update that shows when posts are blocked from appearing on the Explore page, which should stop account holders from repeating those mistakes. For Stories though, Instagram said it is still experimenting with hiding views from accounts that the platform deems as spam.
The company already introduced the "Hidden Words" tool in 2021, which hides messages with questionable keywords. In the coming update, Instagram said it will start to edit out suspected spam through the advanced comment filtering tool. The issue of harassment and spam has long been a focal point for Instagram. It has had to deal with bots storming the platform and proliferating sexually explicit content. However, the company needs to strike a balance between policing inappropriate content and allowing for the free exchange of ideas on its platform. Recently, Instagram has faced scrutiny for allegedly censoring pro-Palestinian content amid the ongoing war in the Gaza.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/instagram-is-making-it-easier-to-remove-spammy-followers-021801458.html?src=rss